8 points. This is the advantage that Max Verstappen can boast in the standings over Lewis Hamilton when at the end of the season there are only two races left: Jeddah and Abu Dhabi.
The Red Bull and Mercedes drivers have given life to one of the most exciting seasons in the history of Formula 1, which began with Hamilton’s success in Bahrain and continued with the Dutchman’s rerun at Imola.
A high-tension season made up of duels, even tough clashes (see Silverstone or Monza) and mutual accusations of illegality between the respective teams that made this championship final even more incandescent.
8 points is the minimum margin that Max Verstappen can boast over Lewis Hamilton after Mercedes raised its head in the last rounds in Sao Paulo and Losail allowing the seven-time world champion to reopen the games when everything seemed to lean in favor of Red Bull number. 33.
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB16B
Photo by: Jerry Andre / Motorsport Images
Despite this minimal advantage, however, Verstappen could be crowned champion as early as next Sunday in Saudi Arabia.
The possible combinations are few, and the chances that the stars will line up to give the Dutchman his first world title are even less, but they exist.
To interrupt Hamilton’s reign already in Jeddah, Max will have to conquer the 25 points up for grabs with the victory and also get the point of the fastest lap. In this case, however, Lewis will have to do no better than sixth place.
If, on the other hand, Verstappen wins the race without obtaining the point of the fastest lap to become champion, he will have to hope that Hamilton finishes in seventh position at the most.
Another possibility granted by mathematics sees Max as champion if he were to finish second, also obtaining the additional point of the fastest lap, with Hamilton tenth, while in the event of the retirement of the seven-time world champion Max it will be enough to close the race in Jeddah on the second step. of the podium.
Considering the nature of the super-fast track in Jeddah, it seems unlikely that the title can be awarded to the Dutchman as early as next Sunday.
Furthermore, should Hamilton win the race ahead of Verstappen, with the Dutchman setting the fastest lap, the two rivals would arrive in Abu Dhabi on equal points. This would perhaps be the best scenario to end a season that will be remembered for a long time.
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